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Inspired Bruins To Push Total 'Over' The Number Vs. Sharks

It seems that every NHL team gives an inspired effort after firing their head coach. Handicapper Dana Lane explains why tonight will be no different for the Bruins against the Sharks as the 'over' cashes a winner for us.

2016-2017 NHL Record: 57-46 (+15.20 Units)

It doesn't always go smooth in the betting business.

We dropped our second straight NHL pick Wednesday night after hitting a season-high +18 units, but that doesn't deter what we're going to do overall this season and its sure doesn't mean that we're going to stop doing what has made us a success already. Slow and steady wins the race.

On Thursday, the San Jose Sharks travel to Boston to take on the Bruins in a matchup that has never been a favorable one for the Boston. The Sharks have won five of the last seven meetings with seven of the last nine going 'over' the total.

I have very little interest in backing the Bruins or the Sharks in this one. At -120 on NHL odds, the Bruins have as usual been overpriced this season, probably because oddsmakers simply look at how efficient they are at getting the puck to the net and figure that gives them a high probability of winning. That's the only reason I can come up with, because it can't be the coaching change.

Claude Julien was let go of his duties during the New England Patriots' Super Bowl parade, anointing Bruce Cassidy to carry the Bruins the rest of the season. Unlike most teams where this has had an inspiring effect, I can't think that the Bruins' veterans are very happy with the move. There has to be a drop-off of respect from Julien to Cassidy. I think the firing will have a negative effect on Boston as time goes on, but for tonight Boston and San Jose will put up enough goals to easily glide 'over' the total of 5.

Also, remember that there is a healthy amount of snow falling in the Boston area that could change players' routines. I've always felt that a change in daily rituals lead to sloppy play because players may skip some parts of a normal schedule if they have any weather-related trouble. Professional athletes are creatures of habit and they don't like a lot of change.